YOURSAY ‘Perkasa represents what is backward. For them the threat of violence - the raised fist and voice - is the best argument. Not reason and logic.'

Perkasa: Using indelible ink is a step backward

your say Kee Thuan Chye: Perkasa outdoes itself this time in its practice of issuing idiotic statements. It's sad that such is the state of our country today that there are people who will say idiotic things for the sake of ... of what? Do they even know?

Why, pray tell, would Malays and Muslims not come out to vote because of indelible ink? It has been established that the ink is not ‘haram'.

In Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, are the majority of voters non-Muslim? Perkasa is merely trying to confuse the weak-minded. Perhaps someone should point out to them that confusing others is committing ‘dosa'.

Anonymous: Actually it makes no difference anyway because the GE13 is going to be the tide of change - with or without ink. I guess if with the ink, and Perkasa stays away, then it will be a walkover.

Swipenter: Indelible ink, used to prevent cheating in voting, is a step towards free and fair elections. Until and unless the electoral rolls are deemed to be clean, the use of indelible ink is essential and necessary.

In Islam, cheating is a no-no. It is total shame that Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali as a Muslim is not agreeable to pre-empt and prevent cheating and he is going to protest by not voting in GE13 because of that very same reason.

What kind of logic is he using? How nice of you Syed Hassan for not voting. There will be one less vote for Umno. Thank you very much.

Fairnessforall: Despite the Election Commission (EC) stating that inedible ink will be used, I will not be surprised at the last minute when it's just one or two days before polling, they come up with some excuse not to use it.

They did that the last time, what's to stop them from doing it this time?

Proarte: For too long Malays have been treated like ‘cows led by the nose' by Umno and its proxy outfits like Perkasa.

However, in recent years their pronouncements and claims are becoming increasingly bizarre such that even the most gullible Malay would stretch their eyebrows. The EC has given iron-clad guarantees that non-haram indelible ink will be sourced.

Having said that, the issue of ‘haram' substances in Islam needs to be clarified. Pork and alcohol should not be consumed, period. In exceptional circumstances, even the consumption of pork is allowed. So what is Perkasa's beef?

Muslim countries like Egypt with famous religious institutions like al-Azhar have no issue with indelible ink, so why should Perkasa?

By questioning indelible ink and turning it into an issue of ‘deviation' from Islamic practise, they are showing their true colours. Perkasa, and by extension Umno, seem worried that indelible ink will prevent cheating in the upcoming elections.

Choo sin fook: There is no logic to this argument. What a waste of time. I cannot comprehend the reason behind not accepting the indelible ink solution.

Since there is not enough transparency and accuracy in the voter registration, indelible ink is a good and simple solution to prevent people from voting twice, unless someone can come up with a better solution.

Perception is less important than being accurate and transparent. I have full respect for the Muslims and Malays, but trust me, everyone wants transparency.

David Dass: Why will the Malays not come out to vote if indelible ink is used? Indelible ink does not mean that the ink will stay indelible forever. It will stay long enough to prevent electoral fraud.

The decision of the EC was a positive step in addressing suspicions and fears. It was a forward step in our march to become a more vibrant democracy.

Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa represents what is backward. For them the threat of violence - the raised fist and voice - is the best argument. Not reason and logic.

Let truth, justice, fairness and compassion rule our minds and our nation. Let our laws reflect wisdom gleaned from our beliefs and let the nation be ruled by law.

We must constantly remind ourselves that we are more advanced in our culture and in our attitudes then Perkasa would have us believe.

That all of us, whatever our race or religion, are committed to a society where justice is real for all and where no one is excluded from realising his potential.

Tpn: Syed, go to Tasik Titiwangsa for a stroll on election day. Take your Perkasa members along for a family day outing.

Milosevic: Why not give people a choice. You can either choose indelible ink, which is allowed in other Muslim countries, or if you want to be a super-Perkasa member, get branded with a electric iron.

 

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